Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The NASA Hubble Fellowship Program (NHFP) is one of the most prestigious postdoctoral awards in astrophysics. Administered by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) on behalf of NASA’s Astrophysics Division, the program supports early-career scientists conducting independent research that advances NASA’s astrophysics mission.
Successful applicants become NHFP Einstein, Hubble, or Sagan Fellows based on their research area. The fellowship provides up to three years of funding: an initial one-year appointment with two annual renewals contingent on satisfactory performance and NASA funding availability.
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What the Fellowship Covers
The NHFP provides comprehensive support for postdoctoral researchers:
- Up to three years of fellowship funding
- Salary and benefits at competitive U.S. postdoctoral rates
- Research support including travel and publication costs
- Flexibility to conduct theoretical, observational, or instrumental research
- Freedom to choose any verified U.S. host institution
Fellowships are tenable at U.S. host institutions of the fellow’s choice, subject to institutional caps: maximum two new fellows per host institution per year, and only one new fellow for institutions that accepted two fellows the previous year.
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Eligibility Requirements
The NHFP welcomes applications from candidates worldwide, including African and SADC region scholars. Key requirements include:
- Completion of all doctoral degree requirements on or after January 1, 2023
- PhD in astronomy, physics, or related disciplines
- Any nationality accepted
- English proficiency sufficient for research and communication
The program explicitly states that all applicants receive consideration without regard to race, creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.
Research Areas and Fellowship Designations
Applicants are designated as one of three fellowship types based on research focus:
- Einstein Fellows: Research related to cosmology, fundamental physics, or high-energy astrophysics
- Hubble Fellows: Research related to cosmic origins, including stars, galaxies, and the interstellar medium
- Sagan Fellows: Research related to exoplanet science and astrobiology
Research may be theoretical, observational, instrumental, or a combination thereof.
Application Timeline and Deadlines
Critical dates for the 2027 fellowship cycle:
- Application portal opens: September 8, 2026
- Application deadline: October 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (4:00 PM Pacific)
- Letters of reference due: November 4, 2026
- Offers made: Early February 2027
- Fellowship start date: On or about September 1, 2027
Required Application Materials
Applicants must prepare and submit:
- Completed online application form
- Research proposal outlining independent research plans
- Curriculum vitae
- Publication list
- Three letters of reference (submitted separately by referees)
Important: Letter writers must upload PDF files using the letter submission form by the November 4, 2026 deadline. They will not receive automated email links—applicants must personally ensure referees understand this requirement.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Review the NHFP Announcement of Opportunity for detailed policies and instructions
- Examine the Frequently Asked Questions on the main NHFP page
- Confirm your intended host institution appears on the verified hosts list and has complied with NHFP employment policy
- Register on the application submission portal when it opens September 8, 2026
- Complete all application components and submit by October 28, 2026
- Contact your three referees immediately, emphasizing the PDF upload requirement and November 4 deadline
- Monitor your application status and respond promptly to any inquiries
Selection Process and Competitiveness
STScI anticipates offering up to 24 NHFP Fellowships for the 2027 cycle. Selection is based on:
- Scientific merit and originality of proposed research
- Applicant’s track record and potential for independent research
- Alignment with NASA Astrophysics Division priorities
- Feasibility at the proposed host institution
The program is highly competitive. African applicants with strong research backgrounds in astronomy, physics, or related fields are encouraged to apply.
Host Institution Requirements
Before applying, verify that your preferred U.S. institution:
- Appears on the NHFP verified hosts list
- Has confirmed compliance with NHFP employment policy
- Has capacity under the two-fellow annual cap (or one-fellow cap if they hosted two fellows the previous year)
Host institutions span major research universities, observatories, and NASA centers across the United States.
Contact and Support
For questions not addressed in the Announcement of Opportunity or FAQs:
- Email: nhfp@stsci.edu
- Administered by: Space Telescope Science Institute in collaboration with Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI) at Caltech, and Chandra X-ray Center at Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Tips for African Applicants
Given the competitive nature of this fellowship, candidates from Zimbabwe and the SADC region should:
- Begin preparing research proposals 6-12 months in advance
- Establish collaborations with U.S. researchers to strengthen host institution connections
- Ensure doctoral completion dates meet the January 1, 2023 cutoff
- Request letters from referees who can specifically address research independence and NASA-relevant expertise
- Consider time zone differences when coordinating with referees (Eastern Time deadlines)
Official scholarship page: https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/physics-of-the-cosmos/community/applications-for-the-2027-nasa-hubble-fellowship-program/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships